The first production Ford Model T leaves the Piquette Plant in Detroit, Mich. It was the first car ever manufactured on an assembly line, with interchangeable parts. The auto industry was to become a major U.S. employer, accounting for as many as one of every eight to 10 jobs in the country .- Union Communication Services

Tell Congress: Leave our 40-hr work week and OT pay alone!May 1, 2013| The House of Representatives has renewed its decades-old attack on the 40-hour work week. Once again, some members of Congress are pushing so-called "comp time" legislation that would allow employers to stop giving workers extra pay for working overtime. The "The Working Families Flexibilty Act" (H.R.1406) would eliminate overtime pay and replace it with "comp time." This bill is not about providing employees with greater flexibility. It's all about giving employers more flexibility and control over workers. Employees compensated with time off rather than time-and-a-half cash premium would see a reduction in their take-home pay. Passage of the bill would mean longer hours, unpredictable schedules, and employer control of when a worker can use accrued "comp time." Call Congress today and tell your representative to oppose H.R. 1406! Call now: 1-888-866-2561.

Tentative Contract Agreement Reached with ABFMay 6, 2013| The Teamsters National ABF Negotiating Committee announced Friday, May 3, that the Union and ABF has reached a tentative agreement. No details will be available until leaders from Teamster local unions that represent ABF members meet in the near future to review the TA and decide whether to endorse it. Read the IBT press release here.

Local Union leaders recommend tentative agreements for ratificationMay 8, 2013| Teamsters Local Union leaders representing UPS and UPS Freight workers across the country unanimously endorsed the tentative national agreement today, clearing the way for ballots to be prepared and sent to members. Details of the tentative agreements with the company were outlined at the "two-person" meeting, attended by two representatives from each Local Union. Ballot packages will be mailed to all members at the end of May for ratification of the master agreements and will tentatively start being counted on or about June 20. View changes to the UPS contract and tentative agreement highlights. View changes to the UPS Freight contract and tentative agreement highlights.

New vehicle wash system at Amports will add more work, more jobsMay 8, 2013| A ribbon-cutting ceremony held May 3, 2013, unveiled a new car washing system at Amports' Baltimore facility, replacing a decades-old system which had become an unreliable link in the company's vehicle processing operation. Local 355 estimates an increase of 9-10 jobs are likely to be created as a result of the installation of the more efficient car wash system. Driver Syble Wilkins (right), an Amports employee for 19 years, said the new system will ensure "the products are safely in and safely out." Read more here.

Local leaders unanimously endorse ABF contractMay 21, 2013| Leaders from about 160 Teamster local unions that represent ABF members unanimously endorsed a tentative master agreement and supplements today that covers 7,500 workers. The vote to support the tentative agreement and supplements paves the way for a vote by the members. The Teamsters were able to defeat numerous attempted takeaways sought by the company, including major cuts to health, welfare and pension benefits. The tentative agreement does call for a 7 percent wage reduction, but that will be entirely recouped by the fifth year of the contract. Ballots will be mailed out on or about June 3 and are due back on or about June 27 and will then be counted. Read the full IBT statement here.

Contract review meetings scheduled for June 1st and 2ndMay 23, 2013| Members employed by UPS are encouraged to attend these meetings to review the tentative agreements. Baltimore meetings will be held Saturday, June 1st, at the Westin-BWI Airport, 1110 Old Elkridge Landing Road, Linthicum, Md. UPS Package will meet at 10 a.m. UPS Freight will meet at 12 Noon. Eastern Shore members will meet Sunday, June 2nd, at the Local 355 Union Hall, 1323 N. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, Md. UPS Package will meet at 10 a.m. UPS Freight will meet at 12 Noon. See you there.

Contract review meeting scheduled for ABF members June 1stMay 23, 2013| Members employed by ABF are encouraged to attend a meeting Saturday, June 1st, at 10 a.m. at the Baltimore Local Union Hall, 1030 S. Dukeland Street, Baltimore, Md.